Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Creative Industries) (13:17): I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate St Mary’s Tennis Club, a much-loved local community institution that this year will mark 70 years of service to our community. Founded at St Mary’s Church courts in Greensborough, where it still proudly operates, the club expanded to Kalparrin Gardens in the early 1980s and now offers seven courts across two locations. Today around 150 local members spanning generations and abilities take part in competitive and social tennis throughout the week. The club’s coaching program, led by Craig Haslam, continues to go from strength to strength, with a strong presence in local schools and a clear commitment to developing the next generation of players. One recent highlight was the annual Proud Mary event, which provides a welcoming and inclusive tennis environment for the LGBTQI community. The event reflects the club’s values of inclusion and belonging and was implemented and led by club member Peter Bannan. St Mary’s Tennis Club is also supported by a dedicated committee and a clear strategic vision for the future. I particularly acknowledge Peter Marcato, who is completing his 16th and final year as president, and Helen Pendry, who for more than 40 years has been the backbone of the club. In recognition of her extraordinary contribution a refurbished court was named in her honour in 2020. After 70 years this club continues to serve, welcome and strengthen its community, and I wish it every success for the next 70 years and beyond.